Incredibly, it is not so much the engine’s massive power that gives the 57 S its character, more the endless reserve of torque, which swells to 738lb ft at just 2000rpm to provide the Maybach with devastating off-the-line and in-gear acceleration.

Despite tipping the scales at a 2735kg, the 57 S is capable of hitting 62mph from rest in 5.0sec and powering from 50mph-75mph in a crushingly rapid 3.7sec. Top speed is limited to 171mph, although there’s little doubt that it would haul beyond 200mph when left to its own devices.

Despite the Maybach’s creature comforts, vast interior space and time-warp acceleration, at £290k you might be better off with the new S500 LWB or an SL55 AMG. Then again, if you can afford the Maybach, you’d probably have all three.